Punjab Gold Cup in full swing sans electronic timer and scoreboard

Chandigarh, Feb 4 (IANS) The absence of an electric timer and a scoreboard has put the organisers of the Punjab Gold Cup hockey tournament in bad light. With Olympic champions Germany and European winners Netherlands taking part in this four-nation tournament, the officials have failed to provide basic amenities at the Sector-42 Stadium.

International players were surprised at the apathy of the organisers.

“We don’t need any digital scorecard but it would certainly have been better if we had the provision of an electric timer before us. It is very rare in an international tournament that we do not have an electric timer as we are facing a big difficulty in keeping tab on time while playing,” German midfielder Otto told IANS Wednesday.

Even India coach Harender Singh felt that the absence of a timer is hampering the team’s strategy.

“A timer is of utmost importance in an international match as the strategy of players keeps on changing at short intervals. Overall, we are happy with all the arrangements here but there should have been an electric timer,” he said.

Organisers Punjab Government, however, had a different take on it.

“Everything was at right place before the tournament but certain errors came to surface just before the start. Our technicians are working on them and hopefully the timer will start working in the next matches,” said Olympian Pargat Singh, who is the director of Sports department.

He added that if the timer still doesn’t work properly then they would procure one on rent.